Alabama Football: 5 reasons why the Crimson Tide will struggle in 2017

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after the Clemson Tigers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 35-31 in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

4. Too much reliance on Minkah Fitzpatrick

Alabama’s defense only returns five starters from 2016. One of those starters is junior strong safety Minkah Fatzpatrick, one of the best defensive players in the country.

However, the rest of the secondary, aside from cornerback Tony Brown, does not stack up as good. Sophomore cornerback Trevon Diggs could have a big year but he has little to no experience as a defensive back. And the guy starting opposite Fitzpatrick, Anthony Averett, has one year of starting experience, but that’s it.

Opponents know not to challenge Fitzpatrick. Yet, the rest of the secondary isn’t as much of a challenge to play against. Some of the quarterbacks that the Tide will face this year present enormous challenges.

Auburn’s Jarrett Stidham, Florida State’s Deondre Francois, Arkansas’ Austin Allen, and Mississippi State’s Nick Fitzgerald all have the ability to work through a secondary it opposing defensive backs don’t come ready to play.

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